The Lakers beat Oklahoma City by three for a second time

Sometimes losses are weird. You know your team played well. You know they gave absolute max effort. You know they did everything you want against a great team. By all accounts, you should feel good about the game, regardless of result. But any time you come up on the short end of the score, it stinks. It just does.

Oklahoma City played the defending champs to the wire, losing 111-108 against a fully healthy Laker team. Russell Westbrook had a shot to tie and it just rimmed out. And it’s all you could hope for coming in – a shot to tie with seconds remaining. But still… how sweet a win would’ve been.

And to think what may have been. What if Kevin Durant doesn’t foul out on that ticky-tack call? What if HE gets that last shot? What impact could he have had? It’s the question you’re left with after a hard fought loss and the questions you’ll never get answered. Durant was awesome – 30 points, three rebounds, four assists – and really rose to the challenge. I’m no complainer (well, maybe I am), but does Kobe Bryant foul out on that call with three minutes left? You wonder.

Really, across the board, the Thunder played outstanding. Westbrook was fantastic. Thabo Sefolosha shot out of his mind. Serge Ibaka made change pants at least three times in the second half. James Harden had some big plays. You saw the whole future of the Thunder on display tonight and it looked good. OKC played about as good as it could, but when you’re playing the Lakers, on the road, sometimes perfect isn’t good enough.

I know some people are going to say the trade for Eric Maynor probably kicked Russell Westbrook’s rear into gear. And if that was the case, awesome. I don’t care if his hamster died before the game and he was playing in its honor – he was terrific. Twenty-one points on 9-21 shooting, 13 assists and seven rebounds. Here’s the thing about Russ: When his shot is falling, he’s good. REALLY good. I know that sounds simple, but it’s the truth. I thought he took all smart shots and actually his numbers don’t do him justice. He missed two tough putbacks, two end-of-the-shot-clock jumpers and even had a falling layup lip out. Subtract those and he’s something like 9-16 from the floor with a super sexy line. He did have 10 assists in the first half and just three in the second, but honestly, the Thunder just didn’t shoot as well in the second half.

Notes:

Five Thunder players scored in double figures (Westbrook, Harden, Green, Thabo and Durant). In the first half, OKC played as well as they possible could. Hitting open shots, finding open men, playing with energy. Everything clicked. The Thunder dropped 61 on what’s probably the best defensive team in basketball. That’s darn impressive.

Remember last summer when we were wondering whether or not Serge Ibaka would come over and then when he did, we wondered if he’d be in Tulsa or OKC? Yeah, remember that? He was huge off the pine again (eight points, 14 rebounds, one block). His energy is just awesome. I’m fine with Nenad Krstic, but in games like this, he brings no value compared to Ibaka. Krstic couldn’t match LA inside at all and Serge was a factor on the glass. Krstic just doesn’t work hard on the boards all the time. That’s why Ibaka sometimes is a better option. He may get out of position, but you’ll never accuse him of not working. Let’s put it this way: Ibaka was a plus-10. Krstic a minus-14.

It’s learning: Early in the game, Westbrook was on a 3-3 break with Durant and Green on his wings. Westbrook was patient and used a hesitation dribble to get around Fisher. Normally he would go bull in a china shop and wildly attack the bucket, running straight at his defender. This time, he waited, surveyed and attacked wisely. He’s getting it people. Give him time.

Nick Collison not all that production tonight. 12 minutes, one point, one rebound and six fouls.

Man, I really thought Kobe hurt himself when he came down awkward. That just looked bad. I’m glad he was alright.

All five Laker starters scored in double-figures, led by Kobe Bryant’s 40. I still thought Thabo did decent work on him. Westbrook guarded Bryant a lot as well, so not all 40 are on Thabo. But Thabo challenged, frustrated and played Kobe pretty darn well. He’s just Kobe Bryant and he’s awesome. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you do. The LA bench had just two guys score for a total of 18 points.

This is the first time OKC has lost when it scored 100 or more points. Also, the first time to lose when Westbrook dishes out 10 or more assists.

Just 12 total turnovers for OKC tonight. And LA, who had a decided advantage inside, just beat the Thunder 47-40 on the glass.

I really have no idea why Russ got tagged with a T. The Thunder got the foul call and it looked like Russ was upset the ball didn’t roll in for Krstic because he wanted an and-1. Didn’t seem to warrant a technical in my mind.

Speaking of officiating, I’ll say this and leave it at this: Playing the Lakers in Staples is very frustrating. VERY frustrating.

A rare dumb play by Nick Collison that hurt OKC. The Thunder held possession with 20 seconds left in the third. Westbrook drove and missed a shot with a second left but Collison came crashing in wildly, fouling Pau Gasol. It gave LA two free points at the end of the third and extended their lead to six heading into the fourth.

I’m beginning to understand why people hate Laker fans. After the Daily Dime chat tonight, it opened my eyes. Some of those people are, well, wrapped up in their team a little.

Did it just seem like OKC was a little unlucky tonight? I remember three buckets the Lakers got that came because the ball bounced right for them. OKC had possession or was about to and the ball bounced funny or was tipped and the Lakers wound up with two. Take those away and, you know.

So many times I wanted to put OKC away. After LA outscored OKC 34-21 in the third, I thought the Lakers would run away in the fourth. Then after LA jumped out to an 11-point lead, I think the Thunder would fold. But they fought. They clawed. They scratched. It’s what you want to see from your young club. They looked into the face of The Champs and didn’t blink. They toed the line and just came up short. Yes, OKC drops below .500 for the first time in almost a month. But there is nothing to be upset about after this one. Well, except for the fact the Thunder had three fewer points on the scoreboard than the Lakers.

Royce :One thing I forgot to mention that I wish I would have: Did anyone else notice had the offense stalled when Westbrook went to the bench last night for extended minutes in the third? Harden tried to run the point for the first time EXCLUSIVELY and it didn’t go that well. OKC scored just 21 points that quarter.

Actually, you might be confused about that. According to the game flow RW played the entire third quarter. He sat out just a bit in the second and a few minutes in the fourth. The team was +4 while he was out.

Jax Raging Bile Duct :Part of bringing Serge along slowly is making sure his situation stays relatively low on the pressure scale. I don’t mind Krstic starting, he’s not getting that many minutes in reality. No one who plays the 5 gets tons of minutes. D12 gets 35 minutes a game and he’s way ahead of everyone else. Usually a Center gets 25 minutes a game, 30 at the most. That leaves plenty of room for guys like Serge to come in and learn on the job. I think it’s a perfect position for him to be in.@KevIBesides, if Krstic doesn’t start, I’d prefer to see Nick get the nod. I want Ibaka to learn at the pace he’s going, because it looks like the perfect pace for him. You don’t want to put too much on him at once. think Russell plays good defense against teams like the Lakers who don’t run the pick and roll. What say you?

I agree with the comment about playing better against non pick and roll teams . . .

during the second quarter I was ready to writeup what a great defensive game Russell had! That was until he slipped back into his old habits in transition and weakside defense. He's got to cut those mistakes if we are to be a better defensive team (we are down to #10 in defensive efficiency) . . .

@RoyceYeah, the offense stalled. But I'm still not sure it was Harden lacking PG skills or if it was the fact that KD was at SG, Green was at SF, and I think Ibaka and Collison were at the 4 and 5. I got the feeling the offense would have stalled with CP3 at the point with that group. KD has a decent handle compared to other SFs, but not other SGs, ditto for Green as a 3 instead of a 4, and of course Ibaka does not pass at all and Collison is not exactly Lamar Odom.

One thing I forgot to mention that I wish I would have: Did anyone else notice had the offense stalled when Westbrook went to the bench last night for extended minutes in the third? Harden tried to run the point for the first time EXCLUSIVELY and it didn't go that well. OKC scored just 21 points that quarter.

@dork"Combine Ibakas nack for good post position (pre entry pass) along with his quickness and hops he could become VERY deadly in the post…. once he settles down on offense. I think to some extent the reason DJ white and Ibaka have a tendancy not to pass is because they might be thinking “well might as well not like i’ll get it again anytime soon.”I agree.

I like Ibaka comming off the bench to learn tbh. A gradual increase in minutes wouldn't make me mad though :) (and yea more minutes plz!)...

The thing about Ibaka in the post is this. When he does have the ball givin to him he has good position already and...

STILL HAS HIS DRIBBLE!!!!

this is potentially huge getting good post position w/o having to dribble. Havn't seen a lot of that since the pre shaq days.. now everyone grabs the ball and almost always tries to backdown their opponet with their dribble (often a result of poor post positioning to begin with)

Combine Ibakas nack for good post position (pre entry pass) along with his quickness and hops he could become VERY deadly in the post.... once he settles down on offense. I think to some extent the reason DJ white and Ibaka have a tendancy not to pass is because they might be thinking "well might as well not like i'll get it again anytime soon."

Kev :how about Thabo’s sixteen points???Anomaly or a sign of things to come???

Bruce Bowen always seemed to have some of his biggest scoring games against the lakers as well. I think Kobe REALLY likes to cheat when the scouting report indicates he might be able to get away with it.

@Omar

I'm not sure the comment about Thabo was meant to be snarky...it sounded much more like a criticism of the Laker D. And they did seem to recognize his rep as a good defender. Again, I'm reminded of Bruce Bowen having his best nights against the Lakers.

Aside from a lot of posters, I think Ibaka could have a low post game. Brooks said he keeps it simple with him and only wants him to rebound and block shots, but if they would allow him to get position in the paint (which he does get pretty close position) he could show off that jump hook i've seen him hit from 5-7 feet out. In turn he would be just efficient enough for me to have him starting over Krstic.

But, like Kev said, he does need to pass a lil bit more (I think he doesn't because he never gets a chance offensivly so he presses the issuse).

Part of bringing Serge along slowly is making sure his situation stays relatively low on the pressure scale. I don't mind Krstic starting, he's not getting that many minutes in reality. No one who plays the 5 gets tons of minutes. D12 gets 35 minutes a game and he's way ahead of everyone else. Usually a Center gets 25 minutes a game, 30 at the most. That leaves plenty of room for guys like Serge to come in and learn on the job. I think it's a perfect position for him to be in.

Besides, if Krstic doesn't start, I'd prefer to see Nick get the nod. I want Ibaka to learn at the pace he's going, because it looks like the perfect pace for him. You don't want to put too much on him at once.

@KevI think Russell plays good defense against teams like the Lakers who don't run the pick and roll. What say you?

Krstic is shooting it slightly better than last year but it seems like he's regressed somewhat. He certainly is nowhere near where he was before he got injured, which is a shame because I was hoping he'd eventually get there.

Here is my thoughts on Kristic. Its not that he is out of position or plays bad defense. His defense is okay (for being so laterally and verticall limited).

Its his offense.

Now he does have one heck of a nice shot from the top of they key I'm not going to deny him that. The problem is this. How many times have you seen him in the post this season? Now he may not be a dominate post presence but the fact that he is even down there changes the game compared to hovering around where the guards are. Yes he can draw a defender out of the paint but thats it.

Ibaka being in the post, even when they don't give him the ball, causes a more traditional look from the defense. When this happens it appears (I have no stats to back it up) that the other players on our team suddenly realise that "hey this is offense in basketball!!" and they seem to play better. (could be that i'm just a huge Ibaka homer.)

I hate 'at least they played well' excuses,BUT....Thunder have played the Lakes 3 times not right??1st time OT barely lost. LA wasn't full strength. In OKC2nd time LA pretty much dominated. LA full strength. IN LA3rd time Lost by 3. LA full strength. In LA

So OKC either had a better game plan/executed better/or got better from game 2 to 3. The Thunder are so young and raw, but are probably on most teams top 5 or so that you would not want to play.

Thabo has showed signs of offensive competence over the course of the season, but just every fourth game or so and sandwiched between games of his usual non-productive offense. Over the last five game though, he's been pretty consistent and put together a nice run. Check it out here http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sefolth01/gamelog/2010/

I doubt he'll ever be a go to guy for scoring, but he could maybe be a consistent 10-15 points a night and a real threat from the perimeter if he keeps this up. Considering his other strengths that's nothing to sneeze at.

I dont if many of you watched this game on NBAtv with the lakers announcers, but listening it you can tell most people around the league still don't know about Thabo yet. Their color commentator was absolutely shocked at how well he was playing. He even had a snarky comment by sarcastically saying he had reached his career high after 9 points

I've been a Lakers fan since Showtime, but I want to compliment your web site and your team. The Thunder are an exciting team with some tremendous young talent. They almost beat LA yesterday! I hope the Thunder make the playoffs. Just imagine if they met LA in the first round...

As a bit of a Lakers fan I have to say that what we saw tonight was a perfect expression of Donaghy's general point about referees - not that they fix games, but they obviously develop comfort levels with certain players and stars on their home court in particular (though Kobe was awesome). You can't really do anything about it, but have to say that OKC looked great tonight and could easily have come through with the win.

i cant believe we got maynor!i just checked and seen that and i am stoked - i said the other day westbrook needs someone that can push him , and although he might not be that level of player at least russ will have to WORK!such a good pickup - presti is a genius. who gives up on a first round draft pick two months in, who has played well?? has this happened recently?/ever?!!

Meh. They started two seven-footers and we have a non-existent post game. Wouldn't you have expected something along those lines before the game? I thought they got home court calls and Kobe got his Kobe calls, but we got a few too. (The Artest travel comes to mind -- first time I've EVER seen a traveling call made that shouldn't have been called). I don't think the game was officiated very well but I don't think it was wildly uneven.

One thing I do love about this team, for all the criticism -- they've got heart. They don't back down and they really don't quit.

Last point, if anyone watched the game on NBA TV -- Chris Webber is simply phenomenal. His point before the game -- where he insisted that no one on the Thunder besides KD shoot a mid-range jumper -- was dead on. He's great to watch. Who woulda thunk?

I would like to complain about our offense when krstic is on the floor. It seems like we pass it to him in the 20 feet range way too much. Unless he is getting an open look off a pick and roll it is generally a waste of time. He faces up, takes two dribbles to the left or right and passes it back out to the perimeter. Getting the ball to a guarded Krstic in the 20 foot range does nothing but take 5 seconds off the shot clock

I think the fact that we only had 3 guys on the bench, only Collison, Harden, and Ibaka, hurt us. Maybe it's just watching Ibaka, but I really don't like Kristic starting, I'm not sure Ibaka is the way to go, but Kristic doesn't add anything to the team when he can't shoot, which seems to be more often as teams realize that shutting down Kristic is throwing a wrench into our offensive gears. It's not Kristic as much as it is him in the starting role that I don't like, -14 in 14 minutes, come on. He would be a good bench player, I just think Thomas would be a better against these big teams, then bring in Kristic later to see if he can get his shot going.

That said, it is fun to see the potential that this group of guys have, we just need some more veterans for a playoff push. Hopefully Maynor provides westbrook someone to go against in practice that he can't blow by, I have a hard time believing he didn't beat livingston/wilks/ollie in practice.

I remember Etan Thomas has many mins in the first match with laker because Bynum is hard to Krstic.Maybe Ibaka gets Etan' time,why does Brooks give a player who is expired next year much time when he has a talent young guy?